Teign and Exe shellfish could be health risk

But your right to collect them enshrined in Magna Carta

People collecting shellfish from the Rivers Teign and Exe could be putting their health and that of others at risk, accoridng to Teignbridge District Council.

They say there's been an increase in activity and they have concerns that groups of people are harvesting shellfish to sell into the food chain which could cause serious illness. They're reminding people only to gather shellfish from permitted areas and warning of the risks of dangerous bacteria and toxins they carry.

Under rights dating back to the Magna Carter, individuals are allowed to collect personal amounts of shellfish per day for their own consumption from designated parts of the shoreline.  However, increasingly reports are being received of people from around the country arriving in groups to harvest shellfish, often from commercial fishing areas.  

“There is concern that those collecting shellfish could supply it to the wider food chain, through markets, businesses or to others in their own communities,” said Teignbridge District Council environmental health officer Gavin Fearby. “Many people do not realise that most shellfish from UK waters require purification in clean sea water to reduce bacterial loading to make the shellfish safer to eat.”

Environmental health officers undertake monthly tests on the water and shellfish. Where results are unsatisfactory, commercial fishing must be suspended.  Illegally sold shellfish may not be subject to such checks and so can put people’s health at risk from a range of infections such as sickness and diarrhoea, respiratory paralysis, kidney failure, amnesia and even death.

Cllr Alistair Dewhirst Teignbridge’s portfolio holder for environmental health warned that anyone collecting shellfish in commercial volumes, or from commercial fished areas, could be prosecuted.

“It is really important visitors and residents realise that they must only collect a small amount of shellfish each day and to collect only from parts of the rivers where it is permitted.  If not properly treated the shellfish can cause serious illness and that is one of the reasons why our officers have been increasing their presence on the rivers and clamping down on those who are breaking the rules. We are also concerned about the environmental impact of large scale shellfish collection on the long term sustainability of the estuary for seabirds and wildlife.”

Although no one was found to be breaking the rules in the recent river inspection, more spot checks are planned and public health officers will continue to advise on the health risks involved.